1. Introduction to the Reformation
Understand the Reformation as a time of religious division in Europe
Identify the structure of the Church before the Reformation, c.1500

2. Pope Cardinal Cardinal Cardinal Bishop Bishop Bishop Bishop Bishop
Lived in Rome
Helped the pope
with the running of the church
Cardinal
Cardinal
Cardinal
In charge of large areas called dioceses
Bishop
Bishop
Bishop
Bishop
Bishop
Priest
Priest
Priest
Priest
Priest
In charge of areas of the diocese called parishes

3. Abuses in the Church
Before the 1500s almost everyone in Europe belonged to the Catholic Church.
However, there were problems in the church. Some people were unhappy as they believed the church was too wealthy and too powerful.
The problems in the church were known as abuses.
The construction of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome
was a symbol of the wealth and power of the church

4. Nepotism One of the abuses was nepotism.
This meant appointing relatives to positions in the church.
For example, Pope Alexander VI made his son (!) a cardinal.

5. Simony This was the buying and selling of positions in the church.
Abbot practising simony (France, 12th century)

6. Bishops or priests not living in their dioceses or parishes.
Absenteeism
Pluralism
Bishops or priests not living in their dioceses or parishes.
Holding one or more office in the church e.g. a priest having two or more parishes, a bishop having two or more dioceses.

7. Sale of indulgences
In the early 1500s, many people believed that after they died, they would spend time in purgatory before going to heaven.
The church taught that a person could reduce the time they would have to spend in purgatory if they bought an indulgence.
Some people (like Martin Luther) disliked indulgences as they felt the church was allowing people to buy their way to heaven.